DR Congo's Ebola outbreak passes 10,000 cases, the second largest ever recorded
UN News gives the WHO's latest numbers, the vaccine trial that just began, and how Kenya is preparing.
What happened: The Democratic Republic of the Congo's health ministry counted 10,141 Ebola cases and nearly 5,000 deaths as of Oct. 26, UN News reported. The outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo virus, for which there is no approved vaccine or treatment, and has spread to eight provinces. It is the largest of the DRC's 17 Ebola outbreaks and the second largest in the world after West Africa's in 2014-2016.
Why it matters: The outbreak began in the conflict-hit east amid hunger and displacement. More than 2,600 people have recovered, and a ring-vaccination trial called TUMAINI (Swahili for "hope") is testing whether an existing Ebola vaccine protects against this strain. Kenya has recorded nine cases, including two deaths.
How much agreement is there? Broad agreement. Health agencies agree on the threat; the WHO says ending it needs more access to affected areas and community outreach that builds trust.
Could someone help? Donors can back the aid groups and UN agencies working the response, and community health volunteers are central to the trust-building the WHO describes.
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Bundibugyo ebolavirus
After exploring DR Congo: WHO urges sustained efforts as Ebola cases top 10,000, the virus behind this outbreak is profiled in Bundibugyo ebolavirus.
Bundibugyo virus is one of several orthoebolaviruses that cause Ebola disease in humans; it is closely related to Zaire ebolavirus.
Wikipedia · Wade · 5 min
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Ring vaccination
After exploring DR Congo: WHO urges sustained efforts as Ebola cases top 10,000, the trial's strategy is explained in Ring vaccination.
Ring vaccination tries to stop a disease spreading by vaccinating the people most likely to be infected, such as contacts of known cases.
Wikipedia · Wade · 5 min
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